Medical shielding structure



United States Patent William D. Gauthier 128/139X l28/276X 98/36 98/36 98/115X 98/36X mmmmmfl n "t mm wm m mwm m m k0 Ch hu o STCMWH 6 367 561366 999999 1111]] /////I 32289 1 537437 927126 723231 3 8270 ,2 23 33 1 B 7 W 6 om 9 T l ..w i 6 n 2 a e H n y u SG [72] Inventors [21] Appl. No. 648,682 [22] Filed [45] Patented Nov. 3, i970 example,

g apparatus includes a er havin Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsie Attorney-Owen & Owen ABSTRACT: A shielding apparatus for a medical operating area which forms a protective air shield between, for a dentist and his patient. The shieldin 128/139, longitudinally extending outlet head g a discharge l2 32/22 opening therethrough effective to discharge air in a planar- A6lb19/00 laminar flow path. Air is supplied to the outlet header by a 128/132, motor driven blower through a conduit system. An inlet struc- I33, 139, 140, 142- 27 277; ture is spaced from the outlet headerand receives the shield- 2/ ing airstream. The outlet header and the intake structure are mounted on an articulating support arm. Conduit means lead from the intake structure and in the preferred embodiment discharge contaminated air passing therethrough to a filter. A 128/1423 portion of the filtered air is recirculated to the outlet header 123/276X and another portion is exhausted.

[73] A i by mesne assignments to Champion Spark Plug Company, Toledo, Ohio a corporation of Delaware [54] MEDICAL SHIELDING STRUCTURE 9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

{51] [50] FieldofSearch............1..............................

[56] References Cited 'UNlTED STATES PATENTS 1,096,607 5/1914 Deray........................., 1,405,106 1/1922 MEDICAL SHIELDING STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For many years there has been a need in the art for an effective shielding structure for use in a medical operating area. With particular reference to a dental surgery area, the patient and the dentist are of necessity positioned with their heads in a closely spaced relationship. The transfer of particulate matter, bacteria, and the discomfort of either party from bad breath has been a continuing problem. In recent years this problem has been intensified by the use of high speed dental equipment, for example high speed drills which are cooled by a water spray.

The water spray forms aerosols in the operating area. An aerosol may be defined, for the purpose of the present application, as a suspension of particulate matter, either liquid or solid, in air. Particulate matter in an aerosol normally lies between 50 angstroms (0.005 micron) and 500,000 angstroms (50 microns) in size. As particulate matter is removed from the patients mouth, the particulate matter is held in suspension in the aerosol which surrounds the operating area in a generally cloud shaped manner. Besides the particulate matter, it is known that microorganisms may also be suspended in the aerosol and serum hepatitis, for example, may be transferred between the patient and the dentist. Furthermore, some liquids which are desirable as lubricants for use with high speed dental drills have been found to create a health hazard when aerosols containing these liquids are repeatedly inhaled by a dentist.

Oral sepsis is a recognized problem and one attempt to reduce the possibility of bacteria and particulate matter from entering the respiratory tract has been the wearing of a mask by the dentist. However, a mask is only a partial solution to the problem and in addition is a discomfort to the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves one of the major problems of the prior art by providing a medical shielding structure which effectively reduces the transfer of microorganisms and discrete particles between a patient and a doctor. The present invention may be utilized in many types of medical applications, for examples, a hospital operating room or in a dentists office.

The shielding apparatus, according to the present invention, includes an outlet means which is effective to discharge fluid in a flow path extending essentially in a plane passing through the outlet means. Conduit means are attached to the outlet means for supplying fluid to the outlet means and means are provided for supplying fluid to the conduit means. Intake means are positioned in the flow path. The intake means are spaced from the outlet means and are effective to receive fluid therefrom. The fluid extending between the outlet means and the intake means forms a fluid shield.

As the fluid forming the shield travels between the outlet means and the intake means boundary air from the operating area is induced to flow into the intake means along with the airstream which was discharged from the outlet means.

One of the features of the present invention is an exhaust means which discharges a predetermined portion of the air received by the intake means back into the space. The remainder of the air is recirculated to the outlet means. Preferably both portions of the air, namely the exhausted portion and the recirculated portion, are filtered.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved shielding apparatus for a medical operating area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shielding apparatus according to the present invention installed in a dental operating area;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the shielding apparatus shown in FIG. 1, drawn on an enlarged scale and showing in particular the outlet means, the inlet means, and the support means;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, top view of the outlet means and the intake means and showing in dashed lines the air flow path between the two components;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shownin FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of filtering means, according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, standard equipment found in a dental operating room is generally indicated by the reference number 10. The equipment 10 includes a support housing 11, an overhead lighting fixture 12, a waste basin 13, and an operating chair 14.

Dental tools, for example a high speed drill 15, are mounted adjacent the housing 11 and a support bracket 16 extends outwardly from the housing 11.

A shielding apparatus, according to the present invention, is generally indicated in FIG. 1 by the reference number 20. In the preferred embodiment, the shielding apparatus 20 includes support means generally indicated by the reference number 21. The support means 21 includes a pair of parallel arms 22 and 23, which are pivotally mounted at the outer end of the support bracket 16. The arms 22 and 23 have a bifurcated end bracket 24 which pivotally mounts a link 25 (see FIG. 2). The link 25 mounts a rod 26 at its outermost end. The mounting joint between the arms 22 and 23 and the link 25 is an articulating joint wherein the link 25 may be moved to varying vertical planes and similarly, the mounting connection between the link 25 and the rod 26 is adjustable so that the rod 26 may be rotated around its longitudinal axis. A setscrew 27 releasably secures the rod 26 with respect to the link 25 when relative rotation between those elements is not desired.

Outlet means, generally indicated by the reference number 29, are movably mounted at one end of the rod 26. The outlet means 29 includes a longitudinally extending outlet header 30. In the present embodiment, the header 30 is tubular in configuration, however, various shapes may be utilized. The outlet header 30 has a longitudinally extending outlet slot 31 and an end cap 32. A mounting projection 33, having a receiving opening 34 for the reception of the rod 26, is provided adjacent one end of the header 30. A setscrew 35 releasably secures the outlet header 30 to the rod 26. The outlet header 30 also has a coupler 36 which connects the header 30 to a conduit 37.

Fluid, in this case air, is discharged through the outlet slot 31 in a flow path extending in a plane passing through the outlet header 30.

Intake means, generally indicated by the reference number 40, are positioned in the flow path and are effective to receive fluid from the outlet header 30. In the present embodiment the intake means 40 includes a funnel shaped receiver 41. Preferably, the receiver 41.is constructed of a transparent material. A coupler 42 connects the receiver 41 to a conduit 43.

The outlet means 29 and the intake means 40 are moved into position between the patient and the dentist (see FIG. 1). The air shield which is formed lies in a generally horizontal plane which is spaced slightly above the patients head and slightly below the dentists head.

A telescoping sleeve 44 is slidably mounted on the rod 26 A bracket 45, attached to the sleeve 44, supports the intake means 40. A setscrew 46 releasably secures the telescoping sleeve 44 to the rod 26. when the operator desires to adjust the spacing between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41, he loosens the set screw 46 and moves the telescoping sleeve 44 with respect to the rod 26. When the proper spacing is reached, he tightens the setscrew 46 to secure the elements in position. If the operator desires to adjust the plane of the airstream which extends between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41 he releases the setscrew 27 and rotates the rod 26 until the desired plane is reached. He then tightens the setscrew 27. The support means 21 provides an articulating support system which may be readily adjusted to move the air shield to its desired position adjacent the operating area.

Filter means are generally indicated in FIG. 1 by the reference number 50. in the present embodiment the filter means 50 includes a filter housing 51 having an entrance chamber 52 at its upper end. The conduit 43 is connected by a coupler 53 to the entrance chamber 52.

A prefilter 54 is mounted in the filter housing 51 below the entrance chamber 52. In the present embodiment, the prefilter 54 is a fibrous glass mat type filter which is effective in removing relatively large size particulate matter from the airstream delivered by the conduit 43. A secondary filter 55 is positioned in the filter housing 51 below the prefilter 54. The secondary filter 55 is constructed of, for examples, fibrous glass paper or glass-asbestos paper. The secondary filter 55 is a high efficiency filter and is effective in removing sub-micron particulate matter and airborne bacteria matter.

A squirrel cage blower 56 is positioned in the filter housing 51 and is driven by a motor 57. The blower 56 has an intake 58 positioned in a plenum chamber 59 which is below the secondary filter 55. The blower 56 has a discharge opening 60 which is connected to one leg ofa tee 61.

While in the present embodiment, the blower has been disclosed as being on the downstream side of the filters, in other embodiments of the present invention it is preferable to place the filters on the discharge side of the blower and the present invention is not restricted to the embodiment disclosed in the drawings. Other types of air supply means, such as air compressors may be utilized and still be within the scope of the present invention.

The tee 61 has an exhaust leg 62 and an upright leg 63. In the present embodiment, a valve is provided to control air flow through the exhaust leg 62. The exhaust valve comprises a pivotally mounted circular valve plate 64 which may be rotated to restrict or enlarge the discharge area of the exhaust leg 62. A coupler 65 connects the conduit 43 to the upright leg 63 of the tee 61.

The blower 56 delivers air to the conduit 37 at a predetermined rate, for example, in the order of 50 c.f.m. As the air is discharged through the outlet slot 31 of the outlet header 30, it is at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The velocity of the airstream between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41 preferably has a velocity of several hundred feet per minute depending on the dimensions and use of the air shield. The preferred embodiment of the system, disclosed in FIG. 1, is a recirculating system and a negative pressure is present in the area at the receiver 41. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a laminar flow path is desirably established between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41. However, as the airstream forming the air shield passes between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41, ambient boundary air is induced to flow into the receiver 41 (indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 4). The induced air, combined with the recirculated air, results in a volume of air in excess of the volume of air required for recirculation and discharge through the outlet header 30. In the shielding structure according to the present invention, a predetermined quantity of filtered air is exhausted or discharged through the exhaust leg 62 of the tee 61. The volume of discharged or exhausted air is controlled by the valve plate 64. It has been found that if air is not exhausted from the system, but rather is recirculated to the outlet header 30, an undesired turbulent air flow results and the air spills downwardly toward the patient. When this occurs, a proper air shield is not created between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41.

Because the air which is wasted or exhausted through the exhaust leg 62 is filtered or conditioned air, it has been found that the overall atmosphere of the operating room space is significantly improved.

The air shield formed between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41 in addition to providing a barrier to prevent crosscontamination between the patient and the doctor, has been found to provide a refreshing atmosphere for the patient and appears to relax the patient. The air shield is most effective in retarding the passage of aerosols bearing particulate matter between the patient and the doctor.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is particularly adaptable for use in a dentist's operating room. The outlet header 30 and the receiver 41 are positioned above the patients head to form an air shield which lies in a generally horizontal plane and intercepts contaminants which are carried upwardly by an aerosol formed by the water spray directed on the high speed drilling equipment. The outlet slot 31 is, for example, 6 inches long and has a width of one-eighth inch. The distance between the outlet header 30 and the receiver 41 may be adjusted depending on varying situations, however, a 12 inch spacing has been found effective for normal use in a dental office.

It has also been found that the above mentioned fresh air feeling may be intensified by the addition of medicaments to the airstream.

-While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed as a recirculating system, other embodiments are contemplated in which the fluid received by the intake means 40 is not recirculated but rather is, for examples, discharged to the atmosphere or to a remote location.

While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with a specific arrangement of parts and with respect to a preferred embodiment, it should be expressly understood that numerous modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for creating and positioning a gaseous shield at a boundary of a medical work area comprising, in combination, a gas outlet effective to discharge gas in a flo w path and shaped to produce a fluid stream elongated in a direction normail to the direction of fluid flow, a gas inlet aligned with said gas outlet effective to receive the gas from said gas outlet, means for supplying gas to said gas outlet and for withdrawing gas from said gas inlet, flexible conduits connecting said gas supply and gas withdrawal means respectively with said gas outlet and said gas inlet, and movable support means for adjustably positioning said outlet and inlet means relative to each other in an opposed spaced relation whereby the gas flow therebetween forms a narrow gaseous shield and for positioning said outlet and inlet means relative to said gas supply and gas withdrawal means whereby said gaseous shield may be selectively placed and held at various positions adjacent such boundary of such medical work area.

2. Shielding apparatus for a medical area, according to claim 1, wherein said gas supply means comprises a blower operatively connected to a driving motor.

3. Shielding apparatus for a medical area, according to claim 1, including an exhaust valve means for discharging into an area remote from said intake means a predetermined portion of the gas received by said intake means.

4. Shielding apparatus for a medical area, according to claim 1, wherein said outlet comprises a longitudinally extending tube, said tube defining a longitudinally extending discharge slot therethrough.

5. Shielding apparatus for a dentist operating area for creating and positioning a gaseous shield adjacent a dentist chair, comprising, in combination, a longitudinally extending outlet heade r comprising an elongated element having at least one narrow generally lengthwise discharge opening along one side effective to discharge air at a pressure above atmospheric pressure in a flow path extending along a plane passing through such discharge opening, first conduit means attached to said outlet header, a blower in communication with said first conduit means for supplying air to said outlet header, a motor operatively connected to said blower, intake means defining a narrow inlet opening positioned in such flow path, whereby the air forming such flow path between said outlet header and said intake means forms a narrow gaseous shield, second conduit means attached to said intake means, exhaust means for exhausting into an area remote from said intake means a portion of the air received by said intake means, said second conduit means being in gaseous communication with said blower and said first conduit means, whereby at least a portion of the airstream delivered by said second conduit means may be recirculated through said first conduit means,

filtering means in communication with said second conduit means for removing particulate matter from the airstream, and support means for adjustably positioning and holding said outlet header and said intake means.

6. Shielding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said first conduit means is in communication with said filtering means.

7. Shielding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said intake means comprises a generally funnel shaped receiver and means for connecting said receiver to said second conduit means.

8. Shielding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said support means includes articulating means, whereby said outlet header and said intake means may be moved to various positions.

9. Shielding apparatus for a medical area comprising, in combination, an elongated outlet header, said outlet header comprising a longitudinally extending tube, said tube defining a longitudinally extending discharge slot effective to discharge air supplied to said header in a flow path extending essentially along a plane passing through said outlet header, intake means spaced from and aligned with said outlet header, said intake means comprising a generally funnel shaped receiver defining an inlet opening positioned in such flow path, whereby the air forming such flow path between said outlet header and said intake means forms a gaseous shield extending between said outlet header and said intake means, first conduitmeans attached to said outlet header, means in communication with said first conduit means for supplying air to said outlet header, second conduit means attached to said intake means for removing air received by said intake means, filtering means for filtering the airstream delivered to said first conduit means, said filtering means comprising a filter housing, a prefilter mounted in said housing, said second conduit discharging contaminated air to said prefilter and a secondary filter within said housing adjacent said prefilter, means for connecting said receiver to said second conduit means, said first conduit means being in communication with said filtering means and wherein at least a portion of the air passing through said second conduit means is recirculated through said first conduit means, articulating support means for mounting said outlet header and said intake means, whereby said outlet header and said intake means may be moved to various positions adjacent the medical area, and exhaust valve means for discharging into an area remote from said intake means a predetermined portion of the air received by said intake means. 

